Sheriff Martin was elected Sheriff of Lake County in 2016 and is currently serving his third term. With over three decades of experience across public, private, recreational, and judicial sectors, he has built a distinguished career in law enforcement and community leadership. Beginning as a reserve officer in 1995, his service spans multiple agencies, including the Mattawan, Vicksburg, and Decatur Police Departments, the Allegan and Van Buren County Sheriff’s Offices, and the Kalamazoo County District Court. He was also a state-licensed private detective and former owner of one of Michigan’s largest armed security companies.
As Sheriff, Martin has focused on advancing training, transparency, community engagement, and organizational accountability. His leadership has brought significant legislative and programmatic achievements, including the establishment of Northern Michigan’s only Youth Police Explorer Program and testimony supporting ORV training legislation that became state law. He has served in numerous leadership roles on local and state boards, including chairing the Michigan Sheriff’s Association Recreational Safety Committee and Lake County 911 Board.
A recognized firearms instructor and co-author of Michigan’s first state-based CPL program, Martin has trained thousands of students nationwide. He has expanded grant opportunities for law enforcement training and remains actively involved in community service, charitable giving, and public outreach through regular newspaper columns. Sheriff Martin’s leadership reflects a sustained commitment to innovation, community partnership, and the professional advancement of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.
Undersheriff Pietras was appointed to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office in 2021, bringing with him a distinguished 32-year career in law enforcement and a renewed commitment to making the agency a model of excellence. Throughout his career, he has served in a variety of specialized roles, including dive team member, school resource officer, community policing unit member, crisis negotiator, academy instructor, firearms instructor, Explorers mentor, and Verbal Judo instructor. Before entering law enforcement, Undersheriff Pietras spent eight years in the aviation industry, earning two FAA certifications as an Aircraft Dispatcher and a Private Pilot license. He holds an Associate’s degree from Lansing Community College and is currently attending Staff and Command School to further strengthen his leadership capabilities.
Undersheriff Pietras’s diverse professional background, technical expertise, and leadership experience reflects his commitment to advancing the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and fostering a culture of professionalism, service, and community trust.